This is a wonderful piece Rochelle – more so because you dared to venture out of your comfort zone. The beauty, apart from this alone, is that it works as a wonderful little story.

Too often we are so overwhelmed by the sudden misadventures that befall us – if we knew enough to step back and see the “bigger” picture in the moment, we’d be far less stressed and I dare say, much healthier and happier.

I think it’s wonderful that you’ve met Hafiz. 🙂 I’m sure you will come to appreciate his works — they do turn things around — and often, they offer such a simple, clean and clear perspective that leaves one marveling. I hope you enjoy his works as you get better acquainted.

Good, light hearted story Rochelle. Very much Joe and Trisha’s enjoyed the conversation. One question though. Are you missing a word from “Relax, Enjoy Breeze” as it doesn’t quite fit in with Joe’s speech later in the story

Rochelle, Even though it was different from your usual type of story, it was good and well written as usual. The poet and Trisha seem to both have a better sense of humor than Joe. From the look of the undergrowth, he should be glad they’re both okay. Well done as always. 🙂 —Susan

Your comment means a lot to me. I tried something a little different for me this week and wasn’t sure how it would be received. Doug recently introduced me to Hafiz. I’d never heard of him either. It’s amazing to me how ‘current’ his words are…or at least..,the translations. 😉

Rochelle, I truly enjoyed this one. I actually love to watch couples when one is boiling over and the other calm. I have found myself in this very predicament but without the wonderful poetry to read. Thanks for sharing that too. Dana

Dear Rochelle,
This is a lesson I need desperately learn. When nothing can be done about a situation, its a good time to prop up your feet and read a book. My guess is that Trisha is a far healthier human being than Joe. I hope she can teach him to relax.
All my best,
Marie Gail

Wonderful!
I have been on this little “Zen” kick lately where things that don’t matter – simply just do not matter. If it is out of my control – i must let it be. Your story is a lovely reflection of this. Reminded me of my Husband & I. (Haha) 🙂

The older I get the more I realize some things don’t matter and getting tied up in knots helps nothing. I’m not going to say that I’m always calm and laid back. Those who know me best can attest to that.

Wonderful story, different but beautiful. I can relate ,once we were stuck in the same position on our car drive and I had to keep my husband in good spirit it was tough but ‘..someone should start laughing…’ so true. Lovely poem and thanks for the link. You really teach me something new every time thanks..

Really liked your story Rochelle, really enjoyed the humor, the sense of fun, even in the midst of stress and misery. I really liked Trisha’s attitude, her positivity and her sense of fun. I’d definitely be more like Joe, 100,000,000%. Guess more of us should have Trisha’s attitude and humor and fun and view of the world, the world would be a better place, more fun and less animosity. Really fun, pleasant, enjoyable story Rochelle, really liked this one. They just learn to accept the inevitable: they can’t do anything about it, there’s nothing that can be done so we might as well laugh at the absurdity of the whole thing… 🙂 I’m too much of a pessimist and a cynic to ever do this myself I think. 🙂

Dear Violet Haze,
I loved the poem and thank you for posting the name of my blog in the middle of your story. I wonder how many folks will catch that. In closing let me say, your writing flows like water down a tater row.
sincerely – Big Johnston

Such a clever, real dialogue and moment. While this is different from your usual, that is what I love most– your ability to surprise us week after week. Love the simplicity and humor in this. Shabbat shalom!

Dear Rochelle, Funny and different! I love it that my husband and I have been there before – well once on vacation with the kids in Yellowstone our fuel pump went out and we were stuck there for 3 days before the park automobile service could fix it. What a nightmare – and on the third day, I was laughing – not so funny – but hysterical. Your story is great – Thanks for the entertainment! Nan

Sometimes laughing is better than crying, particularly when you can’t do anything but wait. I can’t say I was quite so humored when my car died this past winter and I had to wait for the tow truck in the freezing cold. However, it is funny in retrospect. If you can just find the humor…

Poor Joe. I don’t think he’s the laughing type. Great character portraits and thanks to Trisha (and you) for introducing me to Hafiz – I’ve been clicking through more and more of his poems via the link.

I can tell you from personal experience that Joe lacks a sense of humor in certain situations. As for Hafiz, I’m pleased to share. A good friend introduced me to him a couple of months ago and then gave me a volume. He was an amazing poet.

I love this. Life’s situations often pan out in this way. This is a bit spooky, since I just posted a blog including a quote from Rumi and found the Poet Seers web site in the process. And I’d just opened a book and what I read was very apt, as in your story. Anyway, unusual twist on the photo prompt. 🙂

I really like how aptly you weave in the poem to conclude your story. I read some Hafiz ages ago but had forgotten what he’s like; so much so, that when I read the quotation I thought it sounded more like something from Ginsberg. It’s made me want to read more Hafiz again 🙂

Catching up – slowly. I like the juxtaposition of these two characters; I like to think I’m more like her than him, but it depends on the situation more than I care to admit. The poetry is new to me, but I’m glad I clicked through; even without it, though, your story leaves me thinking, and that’s a great thing.

Third in the Havah Gitterman Saga

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A Kansas City native, I've been married to my first husband Jan for over 45 years.
A trained graphic artist, my passion is creating word pictures.
"This, That and Sometimes the Other" is the title of my short story anthology published by High Hill Press.
My novel trilogy, Please Say Kaddish for Me, From Silt and Ashes, and As One Must One Can are represented by Jeanie Loiacono of Loiacono Literary Agency and published by W&B publishers.